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Revision as of 14:48, 8 August 2009 by Vilce (talk | contribs)

Lausks, Lauskis or Granfather Lausks is a spirit of nature in Latvian mythology. However, he is only one man or a creature, who manages to be in many places at once, not a race.

Etymolology

There is no adequate name for him in Englišh, translation for Lausks's name would mean something like The Shatterer, but that is still under great doubt. If you want an adequate in the mythologies of other folks, Lausks would stand close to Jack Frost, but they are not the same.

Appearance

Usually being described as an old man dressed up for winter in warm coat made of animal fur and holding small silver or crystal ax in his hand, Lausks is only mentioned in connection with winter and freezing temperatures.

Functions

People might wonder, why are the walls, corners or roofs of their houses cracking in winter, when snow covers them and icicles hang from roofs. Well, this is the job of Lausks. This old man walks around with the little ax in his hand and hits the walls, corners or roofs with it to test their strength. Lausks is also the one, who pinches in peoples cheeks, nose and ears, when they go out in winter.

Origins

Because of his absence in fairy tales or native songs, no no one is really sure from where Lausks comes and who was the first to talk about him. One speculation might be the Russian Djed Moroz (much like Santa Claus).